Ivy Austin dreams of being set free from the drudgery of the orphanage. But even after she is adopted, Ivy finds herself part of a plan to take orphaned and abandoned children by train to new families in the Midwest. On board the Orphan Train, Ivy befriends Allison, whose angelic features and charming attire will certainly win her a new home. Ivy worries that she herself will be overlooked by prospective parents. Not willing to be left behind, the frightened little girl acts impulsively to secure herself a stable future. Will their special friendship survive when Ivy's secret affects the course of their lives?